How Do You Become A Journeyman Electrician?
A journeyman electrician, sometimes referred to as a mechanic electrician, is an electrician who has completed the necessary apprenticeship to handle certain electrical jobs. Licensing requirements are usually determined by local building officials. Journeymen electricians need to be able to install lighting and wiring systems, and know how to test various electrical systems. Step 1 Complete high school. Take classes in mathematics, electronics, shop and science. These will be useful as you complete your apprenticeship. Step 2 Complete an apprenticeship. Contact the National Apprenticeship and Training Committee or the National Electrical Contractors’ Association (see Resources). Generally speaking, these courses include approximately 144 hours of instruction along with 8,000 hours of hands-on experience. These courses usually last between four to five years. Step 3 Take and pass your licensing examination. Most states require that journeyman electricians be certified. The exam usually
Electricians who work in construction and home remodeling begin most days by looking at a blueprint. All of their conduit, wiring, switches and breaker panels are located according to a plan prepared by the building architect.The electrician then proceeds to install the electrical system according to the design on paper, the nature of the building’s structural components and according to the local electrical codes. Electricians working on construction projects are often called on for creativity, much as carpenters are, in order to solve conflicts between architectural drawings and realities imposed by the building site. Four out of five electricians work in the construction industry or for themselves. Many do some of each. As a construction trade the salary scale for electricians is excellent, and those that augment construction work with repair work on the side make a good living. Electricians are trained principally through an apprenticeship program, most of which are co-sponsored by
